Are you a coin collector or interested in rare treasures? If yes, then there is one particular coin that is special not only because of its rarity but also because a small mistake in it makes it worth millions of dollars — and that is the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent.
This small copper coin is nothing less than a dream for coin collectors. It is not only historic, but to date, it has sold at auction for more than $777,000. Let’s find out what is so special about this coin.
What is a Doubled Die Coin?
A doubled die coin is actually the result of a minting error. When a coin-making ‘die’ machine prints the design twice on the coin with a slight misalignment, some letters and parts of the design have a double image. This feature makes these coins rare and increases their value in the eyes of collectors.
This doubling is very evident on the 1958 Lincoln cent. The words “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” on the front of the coin are particularly prominent. Even the date “1958” has a faint double image, making it easy to identify — whether you’re an expert or a casual collector.
Where was this coin minted?
This coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which doesn’t usually put a mint mark on its coins. So, you won’t find any mint mark on this coin either. That’s why you have to check for a double image to identify it.
But what makes this coin really special is its rarity. According to historians and collectors, very few coins of this variant ever came out of the mint. According to some reports, only 3 coins have been confirmed — and that’s why its price has reached $777,000.
Why is it so expensive?
Now you might think, how can a small coin be so expensive? The answer lies in three words: rarity, error and demand.
- Rarity – When something is rare in the world, its price automatically increases. In the case of the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent, it is extremely rare.
- Error – This was a major mistake in the minting process, and this mistake makes it different from other normal coins.
- Demand – Collectors are always looking for such unique and special coins. Especially those that are related to history and can be easily identified.
For these reasons, when a good condition uncirculated copy of this coin was put up for auction, its bid reached $777,000 — and that too for a coin of just one cent!
How to identify a 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
If you treasure old coins or your grandparents have a few old pennies in their old collection, it’s time to take a closer look at them. Here are some things to look for:
- Clearly visible double letters in “In God We Trust.”
- Double images in the word “Liberty” are also visible.
- The date “1958” has a slight double shadow.
- No mint mark, because it was made in Philadelphia.
If you find a coin like this, don’t spend it. Get it checked out by a professional coin grading service first. They’ll not only confirm it’s authentic but will also be able to give you an accurate value based on its quality and grading.
A small coin, a big story
The 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent isn’t just a mistake — it’s a piece of history that reminds us that sometimes mistakes can be priceless. Its double image not only makes it visually striking but also makes it one of the world’s rarest and most desirable error coins.
If you ever come across old coins, take a close look — who knows, you might have one of these priceless coins that could be worth up to $777,000.
FAQs
Q. What is the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny?
A. It’s a rare error coin where the design appears doubled, especially on the words “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1958.”
Q. How much is the 1958 Doubled Die Penny worth?
A. One example has sold for over $777,000 at auction due to its extreme rarity and condition.
Q. How many of these pennies exist?
A. Only 3 confirmed examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest Lincoln cents.
Q. Does the coin have a mint mark?
A. No, it was minted in Philadelphia, which did not use a mint mark in 1958.
Q. How can I tell if I have one?
A. Look for strong doubling on the text and date. If you think you have one, get it authenticated by a professional coin grading service.